The Saint Joseph "Saint Epine" is produced from a 7.4 acre south-facing parcel planted in a stony, granitic soil, planted entirely to Syrah. The vines are planted densely and harvested manually to insure low yields and high quality fruit. The must is macerated at cool temperatures for 15-18 days to extract the maximum of aromas, followed by fermentation around 80F to extract the color. After pressing, the wine is placed in a combination of oak barriques (4 yrs) and 10 yr old oak foudres (~600 liter casks) for the malolactic fermentation and subsequent aging. This gives the wine barrel age without added oak flavors to mask the fruit.

The bouquet is fine, almost perfumed, rich with subtle aromas of cassis. Fruit aromas are clean and fresh and inviting and infused with the fragrance of white pepper. The wine comes on round and full and the fruit is expansive, but silky and well balanced. The tannins are firm providing a great structure, and are ripe, round and soft and gently fade into the long finish that is smooth and not bitter. Acidity is in the background providing liveliness without being aggressive. This is a delicious and well-made wine that is a great accompaniment to red meats, duck, goat cheese and other savory meat or vegetable dishes.

Robert Michelas & Ron in the           Sample of the Saint Joseph Vineyards

    Saint Joseph Vineyards

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